TMCNET eNEWSLETTER SIGNUP

(Seattle Times (WA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 13--Local organic-foods cooperative PCC Natural Markets said Friday its long-serving CEO, Tracy Wolpert, has stepped down to "pursue other interests."
PCC will begin a search to replace Wolpert, who joined the cooperative in 2000 and became CEO the following year. Chief financial officer Randy Lee will serve as acting CEO in the interim. Wolpert "is leaving the cooperative on solid financial ground," the company said in a statement.

The Seattle-based retailer, which traces its roots to the 1950s, opened four of its 10 stores under Wolpert's tenure. The latest store, in Greenlake, opened this month.

For 2013 the cooperative reported $200.5 million in sales, up 12 percent from 2012. Profit rose to $4.3 million from $2.5 million, according to the company's annual report.

In that report, Lee, the CFO, signed the management team's letter to readers.

In previous reports for 2012 and 2010, available on PCC's website, it was the CEO who signed the message.

The cooperative has more than 52,000 active members.

Seattle Times news researcher Miyoko Wolf contributed to this story.

Ángel González: 206-464-2250 or agonzalez@seattletimes.com. On Twitter: @gonzalezseattle
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